Rob Ford, Toronto Mayor, Won't Resign After Smoking Crack: I'm Not an Addict, Says Politician
Rob Ford, the Toronto mayor, admitted his use of crack cocaine Tuesday, but will not step down from office. Instead, he invited constituents to vote him out next year if they felt he didn't serve the city properly.
Rob Ford's time as Toronto mayor had been threatened for months when he finally admitted to using crack in a "drunken stupor" about a year ago. He was forced to admit his drug usage after the police chief of Toronto revealed that he had seen a tape of Ford stoned; however, the politician said the tape wouldn't push him out of office.
"I was elected to do a job and that is exactly what I am going to continue doing," he told reporters at a news conference Tuesday. "We live in a democracy and on October 27, 2014, and I want the people of this great city to decide if they want Rob Ford to be their mayor."
Get Our Latest News for FREE
He also apologized for the mistake, saying it would "never, ever happen again."
"Am I an addict? No," the 44-year-old mayor said. "I will be forever sorry."
Still, Ford's tumultuous attempt to put this political circus to rest is far from over, as critics point out that police plan on releasing more documents, wiretaps and a second video related to the mayor's drug usage. In addition, Ford's alleged drug dealer, Alexander Lisi, is facing charges of extortion, which could lead to further iniquitous behavior being exposed.
"Know this: whatever you may fear about Mayor Rob Ford, the truth is probably worse," Royson James wrote for The Toronto Star. "Are you that gullible, people? After all the lies and indiscretions and contemptible mendacity? What you saw from the mayor Tuesday was an Oscar-worthy performance."
Many have called for Ford to resign in indignity, but the other option- removing him forcibly- would likely prove difficult as well. Barring the mayor simply deserting his office for months, the Provincial government would have to step in to remove him.
